I DO NOT OWN THE SELECTION SERIES. SHOUTOUT TO NIKT WANZY AND COOKIEDOODLES168 FOR MAKING THESE CHARACTERS.

Oxford. Province of Midston. 1 month and 2 weeks into the selection.

Noah Addington groaned as the alarm clock kept blaring. He groggily reached over and shut it off. When he settled back into bed, he glanced over at his beautiful wife. Melody Addington was still sleeping soundly, undisturbed by the alarm clock. She was wearing nothing but a pink t shirt and a pair of pink panties. It would have been damn near impossible for anyone to recognize her as the crown princess that she had once been.

Noah looked at her in awe and wonder, thinking about all of the sacrifices that she had made for their lives together. On the one hand, Melody had given up an easy life of luxury and every comfort that someone could want in life. On the other hand, Melody had also walked away from cruel and tyrannical parents who would have forced her into a marriage that she didn't want. He planted a kiss upon her lips and Melody woke up as if she were a fairytale princess.

"Morning husband." She said with a smile.

"I didn't mean to wake you." He replied as she kissed him on the lips.

"It's all right, what do you want for breakfast?" Melody asked.

"Eggs sunny side up would be nice." Noah answered.

"I think I'll have the same." Melody said as she got out of bed and headed straight for the kitchen. Once they began living together, Noah discovered that the ex princess was actually a good cook. Her nanny Alma had taught her to cook under her father's nose and Melody had taken to it like a duck to water. Noah got dressed and joined his wife in the kitchen as she had made him a breakfast of eggs, bacon, and orange juice.

"I heard on the news that the rebels have occupied most of the province." Noah stated as Melody looked crestfallen.

"Hopefully they'll focus on New Orleans and Baton Rogue. Oxford can't be too important to them." Melody offered as Noah ate quietly.

"Melody, I'm nervous about what's happening." Noah insisted. "What if the rebels try to hurt you?"

"I abdicated the throne, I'm not involved in Illèan politics, what threat could I be to them?" Melody pointed out.

"I get that, it's just...you're my wife and I want to protect you." He argued as Melody sat in his lap.

"Look Noah, if the fighting comes to Oxford, we'll go." Melody vowed as she looked into his eyes. "But right now, I feel as safe as I have ever been." Noah leaned in and kissed his wife deeply as they held each other and tried to forget the horror that was plaguing their province.


Schreave Palace. Sacramento. Province of Angeles. A couple days later.

Selina Zhou was making her way through the palace. The selection had basically been put on hold while his majesty dealt with what had been labeled The Radical Right Rebellion. There was simply no time for any dates, group or otherwise. The only good news was that it had come down to the final 10 girls. His grace, the Baron of Yonkers, had called a meeting of the remaining ladies and Selina was eager to hear what would happen now that she was an elite. She went into the foyer where the other girls came shortly thereafter. They stood in front of the Baron who looked more weary then usual. Selina couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Ladies, I am pleased to announce that you have all made it to the home stretch of the selection." The Baron said as he forced a smile on his face. "You are the elite; which means that the next Queen of Illèa is in this room. As elites, a certain portion of your day will be spent learning about the Illèan government and other political things you will need to know if you become Queen."

"When Will the selection start back up?" Kit inquired.

"All I can say is that group dates have ended and that his majesty will conduct solo dates as soon as time allows…you are dismissed." Baron Trayvon answered as the elites scattered, except for one.

"Are you doing OK?" Selina asked as she sat next to Trayvon.

"Not really, we've sent troops into Midston and things aren't going well." He replied. "The rebels seem to be holding their own."

"That's not good." She said as she shook her head.

"Even worse is that Peter…he's getting paranoid." Trayvon whispered anxiously. "The Prime Minister keeps whispering in his ear and now those 2 see enemies everywhere. Bush keeps trying to intimidate the King's Congress and the Privy Council. Anyone who disagrees with Quince or Peter gets accused of sympathizing with the rebels. Bush keeps saying we all need to show loyalty to our King."

"Blind loyalty is no loyalty. True loyalty includes honesty, even if that's not what you want to hear." Selina insisted as Trayvon gave her a weak smile.

"I wish you were on the Privy Council, you could probably get Bush to shut up." The Baron said with a chuckle.

"Come on, me on the Privy Council?" Selina asked with a chuckle.

"You could be minister of weddings." Trayvon teased as the 2 enjoyed a much needed laugh. "I have to get Peter to start the solo dates, maybe get him away from Bush for a couple hours."

"I'm sure you'll find a way." Selina offered hopefully as she gave Trayvon's hand a squeeze, proving herself to be a much needed ally.

THE ELITES HAVE BEEN CHOSEN, BUT WILL THE SELECTION GET BACK ON TRACK? REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.